Name: __________________________________
Date:____________
The Periodic Table
Color-Coding Activity
Introduction:
The Periodic Table is a list of all the known elements. It is organized by increasing atomic
number. Besides atomic number, there are several other ways the Periodic Table can be
categorized. In this activity you will color-code the table to help you better see its significant
structure. Please note, it is recommended that you use crayon or colored pencil, not marker. Also, be
sure to color lightly and neatly – you will be using these throughout the entire course!
Part I: Metals, nonmetals, and metalloids
There are two main groups on the periodic table: metals and nonmetals. The left side of the
table contains the metals and the right side contains the nonmetals. They are split up by a bolded,
zigzag line. The elements on that zigzag line, or staircase, are called the metalloids (the only
exceptions are Al, Aluminum, and Po, Polonium —they are both metals). Metalloids are also called
semi-metals because they have properties of both metals and nonmetals. Elements 113-118 are not
classified as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids because they are very unstable, meaning they only
exist for a brief period of time before decaying into something new, making them hard to classify.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Task
Leave elements 113-118 blank (do not color them)
Color the metalloids green—remember Al and Po are exceptions
Color the metals yellow
*NOTE – Hydrogen is on the left side of the table but it is NOT a metal, it is a
nonmetal. Also, the elements below the table, elements 58- 71 and 90-103 are metals.
Color the nonmetals blue
Make a key labeling this information somewhere on the table
Part II: Groups and Periods
The table is also arranged in vertical columns called “groups” or “families” and horizontal rows
called “periods.” There are 18 groups and 7 periods. Each arrangement is important!
Task
1. Highlight the group # above each column (# 1 -18) PINK
2. Highlight the period # to the left of each row (# 1-7) YELLOW
3. Make a key labeling this information somewhere on the table
Part III: Specific Groups
Groups are also called families because elements in the same group have similar properties
just like people in the same family have similar traits. Out of the 18 groups, there are a few that
are labeled with specific names:
Group 1: Alkali Metals – These metals are extremely reactive—they are the most reactive metals.
They all have 1 valence electron.
NOTE - Hydrogen: This element does not match the properties of any other group so it
stands alone. It is placed above group 1 because it also has 1 valence electron but it is NOT
an alkali metal. It is a very reactive nonmetal that is an odorless gas at room temperature.
Group 2: Alkaline Earth Metals – These metals are also very reactive but slightly less reactive
than alkali metals. They all have 2 valence electrons.
Groups 3 – 12: Transition Metals – These metals have a moderate range of reactivity and a wide
range of properties. One of their characteristic features is that they produce colored ions in
solutions; for example, when you dissolve a compound that has copper in it in water, the solution
tends to be a blue color. These elements have 1 or 2 valence electrons.
Lanthanides and Actinides: These are also transition metals that were taken out and placed
at the bottom of the table so the table wouldn’t be so wide. The elements in each of these
two periods share many properties. The lanthanides, elements 57- 71, are shiny and reactive.
The actinides, elements 89-103, are all radioactive and are therefore unstable. Elements 95
through 103 do not exist in nature but have been manufactured in the lab.
Group 17: Halogens – Elements in this group are the most reactive nonmetals, except for Astatine
which is a metalloid. These elements have 7 valence electrons.
Group 18: Noble Gases – All of these elements are stable, unreactive nonmetals. They have a full
outermost electron shell, which for most elements means 8 valence electrons. However, Helium only
has 2 valence electrons but it is still considered a stable Noble Gas because, remember, the first
electron shell is full with 2 electrons.
Task
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Outline the Alkali Metals in red
Outline the Alkaline Earth Metals in orange
Outline the Transition Metals in purple
Outline the Halogens in pink
Outline the Noble Gases in dark blue
Make a key labeling this information somewhere on the table
Part IV: Phases of Matter
As you know, there are three phases of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. At room temperature,
most of the elements on the table are solids. There are only two elements on the table that are
liquid at room temperature – Mercury and Bromine. All the other remaining elements are gases at
room temperature.
Task
1. Label the two liquids at room temperature by putting a “L” in the lower right hand
corner of their element box
2. Label the gases at room temperature by putting a “G” in the lower right hand corner of
their element box. *Hint—use the classroom Periodic Table to help you. All the
element symbols in black are solids, all the ones in blue are liquid, and all the ones in
red are gases.
Part V: Reactivity
The reactivity of the elements is a huge part of chemistry.
Task
1. Underneath groups 1, 17, and 18, write whether the groups are very reactive or
unreactive.
Conclusion and Analysis Questions: Use your knowledge of chemistry and your color-coded Periodic
Table to answer the following questions.
1. The vertical columns on the periodic table are called ____________.
2. The horizontal rows on the periodic table are called _____________.
3. Why are groups also called families?
4. Most of the elements in the periodic table are classified as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids?
(select one)
5. The elements that touch the zigzag line are classified as _________________.
6. The elements to the right side of the stairs are classified as_______________.
7. Elements in the first group are extremely reactive. They are called ____________________
8. Elements in the second group are also very reactive, but not as reactive as group 1. They are
called _________________________________________.
9. Elements in groups 3 through 12 have a wide range of properties and are called
__________________________.
10. Elements in this group are the most reactive nonmetals. They are called
_________________ and are in group number ___.
11. Elements in group 18 are very unreactive. They are said to be “inert”. We call these the
__________________________.
Extension Questions:
What do you notice about the group # and the # of valence electrons each element has in that
group?
What do you notice about the period # and the number of energy levels/electron shells each
element has in that period?